From LSU to Columbia? How Kate Koval Would Fit South Carolina’s Frontcourt After Parting Ways With Kim Mulkey —Kim’s Official Statement
LSU’s sudden roster shakeup could present an opportunity for Dawn Staley. On Monday, LSU and head coach Kim Mulkey announced that sophomore center Kate Koval — a Ukrainian player — is leaving the program, just 10 days after the Tigers signed Russian post player Anna Minaeva. Given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, the timing is hard to overlook, even though LSU officially cited “personal reasons” for her departure.
Mulkey addressed the exit directly, telling ESPN, “We had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her. I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.” She noted the school would keep the specifics of Koval’s decision private.
Still, the context points toward an obvious explanation. Koval was born in Kyiv, and reporting from The Advocate indicates her father is currently serving in the war. According to that same reporting, Mulkey had a conversation with Koval before signing Minaeva, telling her, “I want you to understand I’m not here to ask you to change how you feel about Russia. I’m just here out of respect for your family and out of respect for you to let you know. Because I know how personal it is for you.” Mulkey also explained her recruiting philosophy in that conversation: “Know that what I have to do in this business, I cannot make a decision to not recruit somebody that can help our program because of a conflict between two countries.” She reportedly went further, expressing hope that the two players could become “ambassadors” for unity during the war, even suggesting they might play a role in helping end it.
Whether South Carolina has interest in Koval remains unknown, but her production makes her an intriguing name regardless. After starting her career at Notre Dame in 2024-25 — averaging 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks — she broke out at LSU last season with 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, helping the Tigers earn a No. 2 seed before falling to Duke in the Sweet 16.
At 6-foot-5, Koval would fit right into South Carolina’s already towering roster, joining 6-foot-7 Alicia Tournebize and 6-foot-5 Adhel Tac. With the Gamecocks lacking established depth at power forward, and Staley already familiar with Koval from two matchups against LSU last season, the fit on paper is easy to see — even if nothing is confirmed yet.
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